Propagation
Sow fresh seeds in a well-drained media and the kept them moist but not wet. Maintain a temperature of 18ş to 21ş C. (64ş to 75ş F) in an unheated glasshouse or open frame. Germination occurs within 3-weeks to 3-months depending on the species, then prick-out and pot up.

Careful not to over water seedlings, as they are prone to damping off and larger plants are difficult to transplant.

When removing seed from Banksia fruits it may be necessary to place the fruit in an oven for 60 minutes at a temperature of 120° C. to simulating the effect of a bushfire to opening the valves.


Botanic information
Leaf: The dark green oblong leaves have a variable apex from obcordate to truncate and the petiole is short. The underside is glabrous or covered in white-tomentose and the leathery textured leaves have serrated margins. The new growth is pink and has a velvet-like texture.

Flower: The grey tubulate flowers have scarlet to red styles and the perianth segments are densely tomentose. The flowers are arranged in a squat spike that is up to 60mm (2˝in) tall by 100mm (4in) wide and appear from winter to summer.

Fruit: The small elliptical follicles are inconspicuous and tomentose splitting open after being burnt. The obovate winged seed is up to 8mm (˝in)wide.

General pruning information.
When pruning reduce only the new growth as cutting old wood is likely to cause dieback. Limbs may be removed back to the collar.

Cultivation
Generally, Banksia species prefer a well drained, sandy soil that is tending acidic but many species from Western Australia grow on acidic top soils with an alkaline subsoil. When the growing Western Australian species outside their native habitat technique of building a garden bed, of acidic soil above a layer of agricultural lime commonly produces better results particularly in raised garden beds or on slopes. During establishment, keep the soil moist but not wet and do not use fertiliser that contains phosphorus.